Lonicera spp.is a genus made up of 180 species of flowering vines andshrubs, commonly called Honeysuckle.
Vining varieties are most popular for home gardens.
Flowers and fruits attract pollinators and wildlife.
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Some foreign species of this plant are so invasive they’ve given honeysuckle a notorious reputation.
Varieties bloom on old wood, new wood, or both.
Choose one that adapts well to your climate and growing conditions.
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Seeds can be planted in the ground or outdoors in pots in autumn tocold stratifyover winter.
Where to Plant
Honeysuckle adapts to many soil types but performs best in well-draining loam.
Most types like plenty of bright direct sun but roots need shade.
Meet this challenge with a 2- to 3-inch layer oforganic mulch.
Vines grown in climates with hot summers benefit from some afternoon shade.
Eventually, most types will self-attach, but you could train young vines by tying them to your structure.
Light
Most honeysuckle vines need full sun on leaves but roots need cool moisture.
Try planting in sunny locations with at least six hours of exposure daily and mulch roots with organic material.
Varieties like American honeysuckle are native woodland types that grow better in dappled shade.
Read up on the light requirements for the variety you choose.
Clay soils can cause stunting and vulnerability to fungal infections.
Amend overly dry or overly moist soil by working aged compost into the planting bed.
Plants grow in fairly wide pH levels of 5.5 to 8.0.
The goal is to keep the soil evenly moist.
Once established, rainfall is usually sufficient but irrigation may be needed during extended hot, dry spells.
Temperature and Humidity
Honeysuckle flourishes in temperatures between 55F and 85F.
Low humidity is better for healthy growth as too much moisture in the air leads to fungal infections.
Fertilizer
General-purpose fertilizer such as anNPK 10-10-10can be added to mature plants in the spring.
Here are a few popular, well-behaved varieties.
Pruning
Honeysuckle vines produce flowers on old or new wood with some varieties blooming on both.
Those that flower on old wood should be pruned in summer after the bloom period ends.
Types flowering on new wood can be pruned in late winter.
Vines that bloom on both old and new wood may rebloom when lightly pruned after the first flowering.
Light pruning encourages a greater number of flowers for next year for all varieties.
Propagating Honeysuckle
The easiest method for propagating honeysuckle is to take softwood cuttings.
Cuttings root in soil or water.
Keep in mind that soil-rooted cuttings are often sturdier and less prone to transplant shock.
To root cuttings in water follow steps 1 and 2 above.
Place them in a clear glass of clean water with nodes submerged and foliage above water level.
Change the water when it becomes cloudy.
Do not transplant young seedlings outdoors until all danger of frost has passed.
Soak berries in water to remove pulp and allow seeds to dry.
Refrigerated seeds are sown in spring after the final frost.
Plant honeysuckle seeds 1/4 inch deep in loamy soil.
Germination occurs between two and six weeks.
Place in a warm location that receives bright, indirect light.
Harden seedlings off before transplanting into an outdoor location.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
Aphids and spider mites are attracted to honeysuckle.
Wet soil can result in fungus, causing canker and infections like powdery mildew.
Plant in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering.
Honeysuckle failing in wet soil can be transplanted to a drier location after the first year.
How to Get Honeysuckle to Bloom
Vines often bloom the first year.
Encourage flowering by keeping plants evenly moist and providing adequate light.
Avoid heavy pruning and overfertilizing.
Bloom months are variety dependent with some types flowering from spring up until the first frost.
What Do Honeysuckle Flowers Look and Smell Like?
Flowers are trumpet-shaped or tubular and about 1/2 to 1 inch across.
Buds of one color may open to flowers with contrasting inner petals.
Vines produce multiple single blooms in reds, oranges, pinks, white and yellow.
Petal tips may be tinged with a contrasting color.
Prune your variety at the appropriate time and use a light touch for more flowers next year.
Caring For Honeysuckle After It Blooms
Honeysuckle flowers do not need to be deadheaded.
Letting them drop naturally allows the red berries to feed birds and other wildlife.
Aphids leave behind a sugary substance that attract ants.
Watch for these pests and take appropriate steps early to get rid of them.
Powdery Mildew
This is the most common fungal infection in honeysuckle vines.
Choose a long-blooming cultivar such as Goldflame or Serotina.
Honeysuckle.Kansas Poison Center
Invasive Exotic Shrub Honeysuckles.
